Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
Purslane’s succulent leaves boast a satisfying crunch and a zesty lemon flavor, making it an impressive addition to any garden. This hardy perennial thrives in USDA Zones 10 and above, but its self-seeding nature means it can still spread easily even in less ideal conditions. When consumed raw, purslane is a delightful treat – however, cooking it can result in an unpleasantly slimy texture that’s best avoided.
For those looking to coax larger, more impressive specimens from their plants, the key lies in providing humus-rich soil with high nitrogen levels. With the right environment, purslane can grow remarkably tall, as my own experience has shown – a staggering five inches this year alone!
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum spp.)
Nasturtiums are excellent companions for a variety of garden crops, including tomatoes and lettuce. Not only do they thrive in the same conditions as these popular vegetables, but they also happen to be entirely edible. However, establishing them can be a bit more challenging than one might expect. To increase their chances of success, it’s recommended to pre-soak their seeds for 12 hours before planting them in slightly acidic, moist, and well-drained soil.
Nasturtiums are sun lovers and require full sun to reach their full potential, making partial shade less suitable for these cheerful plants.
Alpine Strawberries (Fragaria vesca)
For those with lawn spaces receiving limited sunlight, alpine strawberries can be an excellent choice. Not only do they propagate easily from seed and spread their runners rapidly across any given area, but their leaves are also edible in tea form and their tiny berries boast a surprisingly intense flavor.
While it’s worth noting that strawberries generally thrive in sunny spots and produce more fruit as a result, using them to cover shaded ground will inevitably lead to a significant reduction in berry yield.
Wood Violets (Viola odorata)
Common violets are not only edible, but also visually stunning. Their heart-shaped leaves are packed with vitamins C and A, making them a nutritious addition to salads or cooked greens. The delicate flavor of the flowers allows for various preparations – toss them raw into a salad, candy them to decorate sweet treats, or use them to make vibrant purple jelly.
To cultivate these beauties, transplant young wild violets and allow them to self-seed (a process they undertake enthusiastically).
Alternatively, sow purchased seeds in early springtime onto prepared soil that’s rich in compost yet drains well. Their preference is for dappled shade, ensuring a harmonious coexistence with their surroundings.
Mint (Mentha spp.)
While many people enjoy the flavor of mints in tea and salads, few realize just how easy they are to grow. With a wide range of soil tolerance and regular watering, these plants can thrive almost anywhere. However, it’s worth noting that not all mint species are as harmless as they seem. Members of the Lamiaceae family, which includes peppermint and spearmint, have a tendency to spread quickly and become invasive.
While this can be beneficial for establishing groundcover, it’s essential to keep an eye on their progress to ensure they don’t encroach on your vegetable beds.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm, another member of the mint family, boasts a bright lemony flavor that deviates from its minty counterparts. Like its minty kin, it thrives in similar soil conditions and has a propensity to spread rapidly if left unchecked. Within a year or two, it can blanket your entire lawn with an abundance of leaves. These leaves are not only delightful in teas and salads but also pair well with cooked dishes, imparting a citrusy flair without the need for additional liquid.
As an added benefit, lemon balm has natural mosquito-repelling properties. Simply crush the leaves daily as you walk across the lawn to release their fragrance, effectively deterring those pesky insects from bothering you.
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
While Roman chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is often preferred for ground cover, German chamomile can also be used. The key difference lies in their growth habits and fragrance. Roman chamomile is more compact, producing fewer flowers, and has a distinct apple-like scent when its leaves are crushed. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and can be incorporated into teas, salads, and other recipes.
This low-maintenance herb thrives in well-drained, nutrient-poor soils, making it an ideal choice for depleted or poor soil conditions. In fact, after harvesting the foliage at the end of the season, you can leave the cuttings to compost. They’ll act as a natural green manure, replenishing the soil over winter. However, those allergic to ragweed should exercise caution when cultivating and consuming chamomile, as it may trigger an adverse reaction.
Miner’s Lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata)
You might have spotted this vibrant green foliage around your neighborhood without realizing its culinary potential. As a tasty and visually appealing lawn alternative, this plant is definitely worth considering.
Also known as miner’s lettuce or miner’s cress, this perennial has a rich history dating back to 19th century California miners who relied on it as a staple food to prevent scurvy.
To encourage its growth, ensure your soil is moist and moderately fertile by incorporating peat or coir before sowing seeds in early spring.
Miner’s lettuce thrives as a perennial in zones 6-10, but can be grown annually elsewhere. For those in zones 3-5, you can enjoy multiple harvests from March to September or October by sowing and reaping repeatedly.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Oregano’s versatility extends beyond its role as a key component of Italian seasoning. This hardy herb has the unique ability to thrive in poor soil conditions, spread rapidly, and resist removal once established. Its prolific growth and ability to grow up to a certain height make it an effective ground cover for large areas. Regular mowing can help keep its size under control, much like other herbs that require periodic trimming.
Furthermore, oregano contains carvacrol, a natural insect repellent also found in mint, lemon balm, and thyme. This compound provides an added benefit to its use as a seasoning, making it a valuable addition to any garden or culinary endeavor.
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Living in a region with scorching summers? Consider transforming what was once your lawn into a sweet potato haven! Not only do these tubers pack a nutrient-dense punch, but their leaves are also edible and utterly delicious. Savor the greens by cooking them similarly to spinach or chard, then pair them with their roots for an unbeatable flavor combination.
What’s more, you’ll discover varieties boasting stunning foliage in hues ranging from burgundy to lime green – a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Thyme (Thymus spp.)
While thyme boasts numerous varieties, only a select few are worthy of dedication to an entire article. The fact that some types are more fragrant than others, while not all are deemed edible, underscores the importance of research when selecting which to cultivate. Among the most popular options are Lemon, English, and French thyme, yet creeping thyme (Thymus praecox), also known as elfin thyme, stands out as an exceptional choice for replacing traditional lawn coverings.
Its prolific growth, dense foliage, and robust flavor make it a well-rounded option that often takes over its surroundings.
Lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)
These lesser-known fruits may be unfamiliar to you unless you have Scandinavian roots, but they’re definitely worth exploring! As low-growing shrubs, they make excellent groundcovers or edging, and their berries boast impressive levels of vitamin C. One key consideration when cultivating these plants is the soil’s pH level – they thrive in acidic conditions and can struggle if the soil is too alkaline.
Additionally, it’s best to process the berries before consuming them raw, as they can be quite tart and potentially cause stomach discomfort. Instead, consider transforming them into a sweet jam or sauce for use in desserts, pancakes, or even meatballs.
French Sorrel (Rumex scutatus)
While it’s easy to confuse French sorrel with its clover-like cousin wood sorrel (Oxalis dillenii), this perennial vegetable boasts a unique charm of its own. Its slender, elongated leaves pack a punch of citrusy flavor, making them a sought-after addition to soups, salads, and sauces globally.
Interestingly, French sorrel has a peculiar affinity for sandy, depleted soil – in fact, it tends to flourish when left untouched.
Simply scatter the seeds across barren patches, provide adequate hydration, and let nature take its course. As the seasons unfold, you’ll be rewarded with multiple harvests of crisp, flavorful leaves.
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
In contrast to its natural habitat in North American forests, this adaptable evergreen shrub can thrive in a wide range of environments when cultivated. Its hardiness extends down to zone 2a, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who live in cooler climates. A unique characteristic of this species is its requirement for shade to grow well; it cannot tolerate direct sunlight.
To flourish, the plant needs rich, acidic soil that drains well and is consistently moist, but beware – standing water will quickly prove fatal. The shrub’s edible berries boast a refreshing minty flavor and can be enjoyed raw, while its twigs and leaves can be brewed into a soothing tea. Notably, this species is unappealing to deer and rabbits, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who struggle with these pests in their area.
Edible Lawns Do Double Duty
When transitioning from a traditional grassy lawn to an edible landscape, remember that perennial species require time to establish themselves. The ‘sleep, creep, leap’ rule applies here – it may take around three years for plants to develop into dense groundcover. During the first two years, they’ll focus on building their root systems, but once established, they’ll thrive.
If you live in an area prone to mosquito and tick activity, consider cultivating a Lamiaceae lawn, featuring various mint species, thymes, lemon balm, and oregano. These plants will create a vibrant, fragrant carpet that not only repels unwanted insects but also adds visual interest to your yard. With time, care, and patience, you can transform your lawn into a lush foodscape, teeming with edible herbs, flowers, and low-growing vegetables to enjoy.
